Finding in, her all those ideas I had occasion for, to secure me
from the fears of death and its future consequences, I drew confidence
and security from this source; my attachment became warmer than
ever, and I would willingly have transmitted to her my whole
existence, which seemed ready to abandon me. From this redoubled
attachment, a persuasion that I had but a short time to live, and
profound security on my future state, arose an habitual and even
pleasing serenity, which, calming every passion that extends our hopes
and fears, made me enjoy without inquietude or concern the few days
which I imagined remained for me. What contributed to render them
still more agreeable was an endeavor to encourage her rising taste for
the country, by every amusement I could possibly devise, wishing to
attach her to her garden, poultry, pigeons, and cows: I amused
myself with them and these little occupations, which employed my
time without injuring my tranquility, were more serviceable than a
milk diet, or all the remedies bestowed on my poor shattered
machine, even to effecting the utmost possible reestablishment of it.
The vintage and gathering in our fruit employed the remainder of the
year; we became more and more attached to a rustic life, and the
society of our honest neighbors. We saw the approach of winter with
regret, and returned to the city as if going into exile. To me this
return was particularly gloomy, who never expected to see the return
of spring, and thought I took an everlasting leave of Charmettes.
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